California metals recycler arrested

PITTSBURGH  The owner of a Bakersfield, Calif., recycling business has been arrested for allegedly failing to comply with scrap metal laws.

Sameh Wahba, the owner of Sameh Recycling, was arrested June 26 and charged with violating state codes regarding the purchase of stolen material worth at least $400 and $950, according to the Kern County Sheriffs Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit. Wahba was also charged with violating a state business code requiring scrap buyers to take photographs and record details of the delivery vehicles.

Wahba couldnt be reached for comment.

The sheriffs office said Wahba was arrested during a routine inspection of local scrapyards to make certain they were in compliance with nonferrous recycling laws. All other facilities contacted were found to be in compliance.